Wentz Excited To Take Pitching To The Next Level

WORTHINGTON - The original plan was to be a catcher in college. But that has changed for Gannon Wentz.

“My main dream growing up was catching at the D-I level, my dad was a catcher,” Wentz related. “But I realized I was a really good pitcher and I started to focus on wherever I could land a spot, catching or pitching.”

The future is now on the mound after a commitment to Kent State.

“I started talking to them mid-summer of this year,” explained the recent graduate of Thomas Worthington. “I went to one of their camps the year before and I was in contact and emailed with them the past year. They contacted Tom Schaffer, my coach with Bo Jackson, and that really helped my recruitment. They watched me two or three times pitching, starting and in relief, and I pitched well. That led to an offer.”

While there was still uncertainty as far as college went for Wentz after graduating high school, surprisingly he was not that worried as an uncommit the summer after graduation.

“I wasn’t too nervous,” Wentz explained. “Originally I planned to go to IMG in Florida for a post-grad year. I knew I just needed exposure and an opportunity. But I love the opportunity I have at Kent. My sister and my mom both went there.”

The idea of being two hours from home instead of 17 is definitely a plus in the eyes of the 18-year-old.

“I like the thought of being closer to home,” Wentz admitted. “I have family in the Kent area so it’s definitely a better fit for me than Florida.”

Kent State sees Wentz fitting in well.

“They like my drive and my competitiveness,” Wentz noted. “I show a lot of emotion and care about everything being perfect. I’ve always been one of the smaller and weaker kids but I’ve been in the weight room and now my fastball is up to 89.”

The improvement has been vital in reaching the next level.

“I do a lot of long toss and a lot of work on my own,” Wentz related. “I like working by myself. Me and a buddy do long toss and I do my plyos in the weight room. I’ve never had a pitching coach, it all comes natural.”

Davidson and Marietta, where his dad went to school, were others being considered by the 5-11 160-pounder, who also credited PBR for playing a role in his recruitment.

“PBR really helped,” Wentz explained. “I used a lot of the tweets and shoutouts from PBR to promote myself which really helped. Also, going to PBR events I was able to use my numbers with such a well-used platform.”

Already at college, Wentz is confident about what he can provide the Mid-American Conference program.

“I’ll bring a lot of energy,” Wentz said. “I’m a leader, I don’t see an age difference mattering there. I’ll take anyone under my wing. I like to lead and never settle.”

Business will be the major for Wentz, who finished high school with a 3.6 GPA.

“It was relieving to commit, like a calm knowing where I’m going,” Wentz said. “I have two teammates going there which is huge. After I committed it was pure excitement. I made 20 phone calls in like 10 minutes. It was super exciting.”

The excitement has not worn off with school at Kent State beginning.

“I’m just excited for the atmosphere there and the coaching I’ll get,” Wentz concluded. “Coach (Mike) Birkbeck, the pitching coach, can teach me so much. I’ve made it to this level pretty much by myself.”